S215 unit 1

F i r e O p e r a ti o n s i n t h e W i l d l a n d / U r b a n I n t e r f a c e S-215

Unit 1 – Firefighter Safety in the Interface

S-215Fire Operations in the

Wildland/Urban Interface

Unit 1Firefighter Safety

in the Interface

Slide 1-1



Unit Objectives• Describe operating principles and

unique safety concerns to firefighters in the interface.• Describe escape routes, temporary

refuge areas, and safety zones as they apply to firefighting in the interface.

Slide 1-2



Interface Operating Principles

• Firefighter and public safety is the priority.• Defending property and improve-

ments is secondary.• Take action only

when it is safe to do so.

Slide 1-3



Interface Operating Principles• Each firefighter is

responsible for his or her judg-ment and actions.• Every firefighter

must have accurate situation awareness (SA).• Communication and information flow is

critical.

Slide 1-4



Individual Firefighter Safety in the Interface

• Structures are just another fuel type.• Safety cannot be

compromised to meet tactical objectives.• Learn to leave and leave

to live.Slide 1-5



Individual Firefighter Safety in the Interface

• Firefighters can be both aggressive in suppressing the fire while maintaining their safety.

• Develop accurate SA and update frequently.Slide 1-6



Situation Awareness in the Interface

• Three Fire Orders–Which ones apply to SA?

• Look Up, Look Down, and Look Around Indicators• Risk Management

Process

Slide 1-7




• Every firefighter must understand and recognize limitations to their SA.• Apply your experience, planning,

training, and personal judgment to observe, orient, decide, and act in preparation for the worst-case scenario.

Slide 1-8




• First three fire orders• Look Up, Look Down, Look Around• Risk Management Process

Slide 1-9



Fire Behavior Prediction• Topography• Fuel Type• Structure

Composition

Slide 1-10



Fire Shelters in VehiclesHow can your fire shelter be used in a vehicle as a last resort option?

Slide 1-11



Driver Safety Awareness in the Interface

• Risks unique to the interface

• Use tactically sound operational procedures to be most effective

• What are some actions taken to increase safety?

Slide 1-12



Fire Apparatus Safety in the Interface

• Positioning• Parking• Operation

Slide 1-13



Fire Apparatus Safety in the Interface

• Never pass up opportunities to fill tank• Cover flammable items in

bed• Maintain at least 100

gallons in your tank

Slide 1-14



Power Lines in the Interface• Assume line is active.• Avoid applying water to

power lines, poles, or service boxes.

• Heavy smoke, water, and retardant will all conduct electricity.

• What else should you consider?

Slide 1-15



HAZMAT in the Interface• Sources and/or

locations of HAZMAT around structures• Indicators and types

of HAZMAT• Indicators of

HAZMAT involved in the fire

Slide 1-16



HAZMAT in the Interface• Smoke color and intensity may

provide indicators of HAZMAT

Slide 1-17



Escape Routes and Safety Zones in the Interface

• Differences for purely wildland fire vs. interface fires.• Safety zones in IRPG are not for

interface fires.• Do not commit to stay and protect a

structure unless an adequate escape route and safety zone are available.

Slide 1-18



Temporary Refuge Areas• Structures• Vehicles

• A LAST RESORT SURVIVAL OPTION!Slide 1-19



Conclusion• Values at risk can be replaced,

individual human life cannot.• Defend structures only when it is

safe to do so.• The interface can vary in complexity

like any wildland fire incident.

Slide 1-20



Review Unit Objectives• Describe operating principles and

unique safety concerns to firefighters in the interface.• Describe escape routes, temporary

refuge areas, and safety zones as they apply to firefighting in the interface.

Slide 1-21

S215 unit 1

Education

firefighter safety

safety zones

public safety

interface unit

unique safety concerns

tank unit

interface fires

structures indicators